Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What is a type of ECM dressing that should not be removed and becomes a caramel color gel?

1. Alloderm

2. Collagen

3. Acell

4. OASIS

The correct answer is: Acell

The correct response is that Acell is a type of extracellular matrix (ECM) dressing that should not be removed and transforms into a caramel-colored gel upon application. Acell, derived from porcine bladder or other tissues, is designed to support the body's natural healing process by providing a scaffold for cell migration and tissue regeneration. The gel formation indicates that the dressing is incorporating moisture and is actively participating in the healing environment, enhancing tissue repair over time. In contrast, other ECM dressings may not exhibit the same properties or may be intended for different uses. For instance, Alloderm and OASIS, while also being ECM-derived, do not specifically become a gel or are not meant to remain in place indefinitely. Collagen dressings are designed to provide structural support and facilitate healing but typically are changed regularly to prevent issues like infection or to monitor the wound's progress. Thus, Acell's unique characteristic of remaining in place and transforming into a gel distinguishes it in wound care management.